Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Up to $65,000.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Day Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life insurance
short term disability
long term disability
401(K) retirement savings program
Paid Time Off
Tuition Reimbursement
Meal Discount
Employee assistance program
Job Description
First Watch is a nationally recognized leader in the daytime dining industry, specializing in made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings crafted from the freshest ingredients available. The company operates over 630 restaurant locations across 32 states, showcasing a commitment to quality, community involvement, and exceptional customer experiences. Known for its chef-driven menu that evolves seasonally to highlight peak-flavor ingredients, First Watch delights customers with innovative dishes like the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl, and the signature Million Dollar Bacon. Beyond culinary excellence, the company has cultivated a strong community focus, donating portions of proceeds from every kids' meal served to support impactful causes, having raised approximately $2 million to date.
First Watch prides itself on its YOU FIRST philosophy—an employee-centric culture prioritizing the happiness and empowerment of its team members. This philosophy translates into meaningful benefits such as no night shifts ever, a fully chef-curated menu, comprehensive insurance coverage options, tuition reimbursement programs, and wellness perks including premium access to meditation and telemedicine services. These efforts contribute to First Watch being extensively recognized as a top workplace, having earned the title of "#1 Most Loved Workplace in America" multiple years in a row and ranking as the "#1 Best Breakfast" by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards in 2025.
As a Restaurant Operations Manager at First Watch, you will play a pivotal role in embodying and advancing the company's core values and culture. You will oversee both front-of-house and back-of-house operations, reflecting First Watch's integrated management approach that breaks down traditional kitchen versus dining room leadership silos. Your responsibilities will include supervising daily restaurant activities, ensuring adherence to high food quality standards, managing sales and traffic goals to exceed performance expectations, and leading by example in delivering outstanding customer service.
You will be entrusted with coaching and developing team members to not only fulfill but also surpass the brand’s Five Steps of Service and 10 Commitments, fostering a rewarding work environment that promotes mutual respect and accountability. In this role, you will also handle operational duties such as securing company assets, managing repair and maintenance issues promptly, and ensuring compliance with food safety certifications. A key part of your function involves scouting and interviewing new staff, addressing employee and customer concerns with urgency, and administering financial accountability through managing deposits and paperwork.
The Restaurant Operations Manager position is designed for individuals passionate about daytime dining and driven by a dedication to service excellence and team development. You will have direct impact on the restaurant’s success through leadership, with the potential to earn quarterly performance bonuses. Full-time employment offers a competitive salary range up to $65,000 and a breadth of benefits aimed at supporting your professional growth, wellbeing, and work-life balance. This role is ideal for motivated leaders who want to contribute to a thriving, fun, and customer-focused dining brand dedicated to making mornings better for both guests and employees alike.
First Watch prides itself on its YOU FIRST philosophy—an employee-centric culture prioritizing the happiness and empowerment of its team members. This philosophy translates into meaningful benefits such as no night shifts ever, a fully chef-curated menu, comprehensive insurance coverage options, tuition reimbursement programs, and wellness perks including premium access to meditation and telemedicine services. These efforts contribute to First Watch being extensively recognized as a top workplace, having earned the title of "#1 Most Loved Workplace in America" multiple years in a row and ranking as the "#1 Best Breakfast" by Newsweek's Readers' Choice Awards in 2025.
As a Restaurant Operations Manager at First Watch, you will play a pivotal role in embodying and advancing the company's core values and culture. You will oversee both front-of-house and back-of-house operations, reflecting First Watch's integrated management approach that breaks down traditional kitchen versus dining room leadership silos. Your responsibilities will include supervising daily restaurant activities, ensuring adherence to high food quality standards, managing sales and traffic goals to exceed performance expectations, and leading by example in delivering outstanding customer service.
You will be entrusted with coaching and developing team members to not only fulfill but also surpass the brand’s Five Steps of Service and 10 Commitments, fostering a rewarding work environment that promotes mutual respect and accountability. In this role, you will also handle operational duties such as securing company assets, managing repair and maintenance issues promptly, and ensuring compliance with food safety certifications. A key part of your function involves scouting and interviewing new staff, addressing employee and customer concerns with urgency, and administering financial accountability through managing deposits and paperwork.
The Restaurant Operations Manager position is designed for individuals passionate about daytime dining and driven by a dedication to service excellence and team development. You will have direct impact on the restaurant’s success through leadership, with the potential to earn quarterly performance bonuses. Full-time employment offers a competitive salary range up to $65,000 and a breadth of benefits aimed at supporting your professional growth, wellbeing, and work-life balance. This role is ideal for motivated leaders who want to contribute to a thriving, fun, and customer-focused dining brand dedicated to making mornings better for both guests and employees alike.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Prior experience in restaurant management or supervisory position
- Food safety certification
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work mornings with no night shifts
- Must be able to respond quickly to operational issues
- Ability to coach and develop team members effectively
Job Qualifications
- Experience in restaurant management or a similar leadership role
- Proven ability to oversee both front-of-house and back-of-house operations
- Strong coaching and team development skills
- Knowledge of food safety certification requirements
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage financial transactions and administrative paperwork
Job Duties
- Learns and supports our You First culture and core values
- Puts their supervisory skills to work, making sure daily operations runs according to plan and with high standards
- Understands that we source great food for a reason and that our recipes must be followed
- Knows the restaurant sales and traffic goals - and works to exceed them
- Coaches and observes the First Watch Five Steps of Service being implemented at every table
- Understands the background story of our 10 Commitments - and puts them into action
- Responds with a sense of urgency to both customer and employee concerns
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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